Afternoons with Helen Farmer

She’s amassed millions of followers for her kitchen DJ sets. Now, 63-year-old Crazy Auntie Ann is in Dubai to show us how to live it up at any age – while the founders of Please Leave By 10 say you don’t even need to stay up late to have a dance.
Meanwhile, Helen delves into the British Embassy’s updated advice to new arrivals to the UAE, and as the UAE lowers its legal age of adulthood, we discuss the realities of growing up with Dr Thoriya.

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BNPL schemes boomed across the Middle East at the end of 2025 - but how many people are now waking up to the reality of putting off costs into the new year with fear? Financial coach Beth Clay talks us through how to get 2026 started out on the right financial foot.

Meanwhile, Ruth Dance and David MacKenzie talk recruitment and team spirit in January, David Harkin of 8 Billion Ideas joins us to discuss motivation and imagination for kids, and we ask Pulmonologist Dr Rachel Kaminski about a new drug bringing hope to asthma sufferers…

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From the world’s best hotels, cruises, to new flights launching this new year, we’ve got you covered. Connecting Travel's Sarah Hedley Hymers has all the details for you.

Courtney Brandt joins us to separate the fads from the future when it comes to the UAE’s booming dining landscape.

And what's the best phone when it comes to photography? Tech journalist Kevin Sebastian has the answer based on his personal experience, plus info on other gadgets that you might need this new year.

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We get that from Dr Thoraiya Kanafani as we discuss celebrating pacing your peaks and trusting your own path.

Dubai Health's Dr Sara Kazim shares what's in place to ensure safety of crowds celebrating New Year's Eve in the city.

We also discuss how common heart diseases and cardiac arrest are among teens following the tragic death of a 17-year-old student in Sharjah.

Hollie Mayes guides us on how to declutter properly, especially when emotions are hindering you.

And are experiential gifts better presents for kids?

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As we look ahead to 2026, a lot of parents are quietly asking the same question: is gentle parenting still working, or have we misunderstood it altogether? 

Our kids are growing up in one of the safest places in the world, but travel can quickly expose them to very different realities. Today we’re talking child safety beyond screens, from airports and hotels to public spaces and unfamiliar cultures.

ADHD diagnoses are rising worldwide, particularly among adults who are only now realising there may be a reason life has always felt harder than it should.

But with that rise comes confusion, misinformation, and sometimes backlash. We look at what ADHD really is, when a diagnosis helps, and where responsibility still matter.

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Helen explores how our mouth health is connected with other parts of the body more than we think, with Dr David Roze.

​Can the current flu vaccine protect you from the new flu variant? Dr Howard Podolsky has the answers

And discussing men's mental health with Scott Armstrong of Mentl.

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Away from Dubai’s 5-star kitchens, what can food teach us about culture and community? Helen asks superstar chef, TV host and UN Food Security Advocate Andrew Zimmern.

Plus, we find out who’s eating at Neighbourhood Food Hall (hint, he’s got a beard and you’d better be nice), and we talk festive desserts with Bateel Bakery.

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New research from McKinsey and Lean In has found women “want promotions less”, meanwhile, Zoe Ball is making headlines for leaning out to spend time with her family. Do we need to reframe how we view female ambition? Helen asks Anushka Kalyanpur DeLuca of Nannies & More and leadership expert Constanze Munz.

Meanwhile, as new data from Betterhomes shows nearly 60 percent of UAE residents now plan to stay for over a decade, KCA’s Alex Elander-Phoenix explains how to foster a sense of belonging for our kids, their schools and our communities. Plus, Principal Lisa is on hand for an early-years parenting clinic…

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From working on leave and carrying over holidays, to the impact of AI and job security into 2026, HR consultant Rohini Bhalla-Gill joins Helen for an end of year HR temperature check…
Plus, kids are off school, excitement levels are high – but disagreements can ruin the festive vibes. So, how do you keep all your kids happy and off each other’s backs during the winter break? Leilani Rooks, Wildflower Family Coaching, joins Helen with some expert advice.

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So, your kid wants devices, and you want to go old school? We get a Adam the OT’s advice on how to navigate kids’ festive requests – and how to keep them occupied during the holidays too…

Meanwhile, it’s often billed as the most joyous time of the year – but when there’s an empty seat at the table, grief can hit hard. So, how can we navigate the festive season while grieving? Helen asks Tanya Dharamshi, the clinical psychologist who leads Lighthouse Arabia’s Raymee Grief Centre.

Plus, with rain forecast, Motor Mania’s Damien Reid is on hand with all the info you need to navigate the roads safely.

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